[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-cursed-blade-s-walk":3,"chapter-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-628":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Cursed Blade's Walk",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2262933,4415,"Chapter 628: The Hundred Faces of the Jianghu","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-628",628,"\u003Cp>Longmen Inn is well-known in the Jianghu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name “Longmen” carries two meanings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One refers to geography.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, at the border of Shanxi and Shaanxi, where the Yellow River flows through Yumen Pass, legend says Dayu split the mountain to form a gate, and the river surged through—this perilous terrain gave rise to Longmen Inn…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is also Yumen Pass in Dunhuang, a vital crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, its desert-isolated-inn imagery embodying the phrase “westward through Longmen, a solitary wisp of smoke over the desert…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second meaning is metaphorical: the “Jianghu’s Longmen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cross this threshold, and you enter the Jianghu—whether you’re a stinking crab or a carp leaping over the dragon’s gate to soar into the heavens, each has its own fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Longmen Inn at Longmen Relay Station is, naturally, the former.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby lies the famed Longmen Grottoes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This location sits at the Yihé River crossing south of Luoyang City, backed by the southern foothills of Mangshan, adjacent to the ancient Longmen Relay Station, serving as the water-and-land hub of Yuzhou, linking north to the Yellow River’s grain transport and south to the Funiu Mountains…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dìlóngzi walked while explaining, then suddenly turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Shaoxia, what comes to mind?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan nodded slightly. “Trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a place, needless to say, is a transportation chokepoint and a gathering ground for all Jianghu factions—Green Forest bandits from Funiu Mountain, grave-robbing gangs from Mangshan, river pirates from the Yellow River—they all frequent this place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Shaoxia is correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dìlóngzi nodded. “This Longmen Inn is famed throughout the Yuzhou Jianghu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Originally, it was the private residence of Tang Dynasty Censor Pei You, whose ancestors were heirs of the Xuanmen ‘Helo Fengshui Sect,’ masters of geomancy and earth veins. After the An Lushan Rebellion, Pei’s descendants converted the estate into an inn, naming it ‘Qiyun Biyuan,’ secretly sheltering fleeing cultivators…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“During the Southern Song, it was purchased by Pang Jiuniang, an outer sect elder of the Meishan Sect, renamed ‘Longmen Inn,’ ostensibly an inn and tavern, but in truth a covert base for transmitting secret messages between Meishan Sect and northern Xuanmen to resist the Golden Yurt Khanate’s shamanistic religion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Beneath the inn’s foundation lies the ‘Eight Dragon Array for Subduing Mountains,’ a spell set by Pei’s ancestors to suppress the ‘Yique Demon Serpent’ using Mangshan’s earth qi, locking the serpent’s spirit through the dragon gate of Yihé River—legend says that on rainy nights, one could hear the serpent’s moans…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Later, when the Khanate’s iron cavalry shattered the Divine Capital, a great battle erupted here. Chen Shoujing, one of the Ten Great Masters of Shenzhou and elder of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect, was trapped inside Longmen Inn by Duojisangbu, the personal disciple of the Khanate’s Imperial Master, Bayisiba.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outnumbered, Chen Shoujing fought alone against countless experts, surrounded by thousands of Khanate cavalry, and shattered the \"Eight Dragon Array for Subduing Mountains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That day, the demon serpent broke free, the Yihé River reversed its flow, the dragon qi trembled, ghosts of Mangshan rose, and Master Chen Shoujing perished alongside his enemies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A true hero!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The listeners were stirred; Wang Daoxuan couldn’t help but praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that turbulent age, tales of national glory and life-or-death righteousness unfolded across Shenzhou, countless heart-stopping stories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan had heard Chen Shoujing’s name before; he cast a casual glance and said, “Master, get to the point.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Dìlóngzi wasn’t acting as a tour guide—there had to be another reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dìlóngzi smiled and continued: “A great fire turned this place to ash; the Longmen Inn today is, of course, long since under new ownership.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After the Great Xuan rose and crushed the Great Xing and the Golden Yurt Khanate, Longmen Relay Station was rebuilt. With the Yihé River crossing restored, it gradually flourished again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The current owner is ‘Brocade Fox’ Pei Niangzi, who claims descent from the Pei family and is the leader of the Helo Horse Caravan. She rebuilt the inn to serve traveling merchants and traders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks to its reputation, it has become a famed Jianghu inn, with intelligence networks in Yuzhou as swift and extensive as those in Luoyang City!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan immediately understood. “Good. Let’s spread word here and see if any fish take the bait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Dìlóngzi, those people operated with extreme secrecy—even his influence across Yuzhou yielded no trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had already wasted too much time searching for Zhao Lüzi; to avoid further mishaps, they had no choice but to flush them out and lure them here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they chatted, they reached the inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opposite stood an inn, backed by the sheer cliff of the Yihé River, its main structure a three-court irregular courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The front hall was low, like a peasant’s hut; the rear tower rose high, like a fortress; side rooms clung to the hillside in staggered tiers, tiled with blue tiles, walls built of rammed earth embedded with broken porcelain shards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the door stood a three-zhang wooden pole, bearing a large banner reading “Longmen Inn”; the pole was rough and cracked, the banner faded by wind and time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside it lay a dedicated horse stable yard; though shielded by yellow earth walls, the neighing and braying of mules and horses could be heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inn was crude, seemingly unworthy of its famed name, yet no one found it strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This inn served horse caravans and merchants—just like roadside inns in the city. The Jianghu was harsh, and most travelers were poor; too much luxury would be unaffordable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before they even approached, noise spilled from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouts, dice games, and singing blended together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, without Dìlóngzi’s command, his two disciples stepped forward, one on each side, simultaneously pulling back the curtain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifi saw it and nearly burst out laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes: if the beam is crooked, the rafters will be too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dìlóngzi was cruel and domineering, yet cowardly toward the strong and eager for face; his disciples were useless in skill but masters at flattery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the road, perhaps harboring resentment, they’d constantly tripped them up over trivial matters—after being secretly punished by Sha Lifi, they’d grown far more obedient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This performance, smooth and seamless, magnified Dìlóngzi’s authority; he even felt a grudging admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, everyone inside the inn was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two men entered, dressed sharply, flanking each other with unmistakable bearing—like scions of prestigious families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the inn fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many turned their heads, curious to see who had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Dìlóngzi did not enter immediately; he stepped aside and gestured: “Li Shaoxia, after you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan shook his head. “Master, please, after you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the road, Dìlóngzi had often done this—polite on the surface, hollow in intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Yan entered first, the old man would resent him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was too tired to play these games.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this time, Dìlóngzi insisted, smiling: “I’m half a man of Yuzhou; you’re the guest—you enter first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly; he said no more and strode inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dìlóngzi’s lips curled, and he followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, all eyes turned to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Dìlóngzi said, this place was a melting pot of all Jianghu factions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were silk merchants in six-panel hats, herbal traders in oil-treated wooden clogs and straw capes, carters in coarse cotton, even several Persian merchants with crooked felt hats…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having been away from home for years, Li Yan was a seasoned Jianghu veteran; a single glance told him the nature of everyone in the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carters and porters had knotted arms with tattoos; beside their wine bowls lay whips bound with hemp rope, their iron hooks engraved with faint “River Lord” patterns—the mark of the Helo Horse Caravan…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those drinking with them had bare feet wrapped in leg bindings; thick calluses showed beneath their collars and shoulders—they were Yellow River haulers…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Helo Horse Caravan was a major force in Yuzhou; though called a horse caravan, they handled both land and water trade, and also ran escort services.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blind storyteller hunched by the stove, strumming a three-stringed lute, bore a scar beneath his blindfold; the lute’s tuning pegs concealed hidden sleeve darts—he was a spy of the Pingmen intelligence network.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man seated by the window wrapped in a sheepskin coat, reeking of sheep, gnawing cold mutton with garlic, his wild goose feather knife resting along the table edge, its handle wrapped in oil-soaked cowhide—he was clearly a Guanxi assassin…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A group of others wore black martial attire with copper rivets, iron scales sewn into their wrist guards, faces dusty, all armed with short spears, seated in positions subtly guarding against everyone, leaning near the windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Classic escort guild posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by their attire, they were Heishuo escort guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inn’s structure itself revealed more: pillars were unpeeled pine logs; at a knot in the wood, a broken arrowhead remained embedded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The legs of the square tables were bound with rusted shackles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Used to prevent table-flipping brawls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly a den of trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Li Yan was drawn to something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ceiling beam of Longmen Inn was made from a boat’s keel; in its center was carved an image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though ancient and weathered, faint traces remained: a water deity riding a dragon-drawn chariot atop a white turtle, while a serpent coiled in the waves opposite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “Chu Ci·Jiu Ge” mentions: “Riding a water chariot with lotus canopy, driving two dragons with chī steeds… riding a white turtle chasing patterned fish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the image of the “River Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The River Lord cult originated from Yellow River worship, incorporated into imperial rites during the Han, and merged with local Xuanmen shamanic practices—such as Ximen Bao’s suppression of the “River Lord’s Bride” custom in Ye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what truly caught Li Yan’s attention was the faint flow of incense qi swirling around the wooden boat’s “River Lord’s Procession” image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was clearly a talisman for warding off evil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone within Longmen Inn understood Xuanmen arts!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan pondered silently, but to others, he appeared haughty, eyes raised, disdainful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold snort came from the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Guanxi knife-man, still chewing mutton, muttering in a rough accent: “Where’d this greenhorn come from? Tail’s already stuck in the sky.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan didn’t care. Guanxi knife-men were always like this—never admitted defeat; he’d once been the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Dìlóngzi’s disciples wouldn’t let it slide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sarcastic mouth—deserves a beating!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One disciple, voice icy, snatched a chopstick and flung it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he hadn’t reached hidden force, his waist and legs were aligned; his arm snapped outward in the technique of the sleeve sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Shhh!*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bamboo chopstick pierced the air with striking force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Clang!*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guanxi knife-man reacted swiftly—his wild goose feather knife flashed out, half-drawn, raised upward—the flying chopstick split instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not in half, but from tip to tail, cleanly severed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This keen eyesight is truly remarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang! Clang! Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, others in different directions of the inn also drew their weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were traveling merchants, a simple-looking peddler, and even a wandering performer with a small drum strapped to his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? You’re all together, looking to do business…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Li Fei scanned the room, then lazily gripped the stock of his firelock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he did not move to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the contrary, the Heishuo escort guards all turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people appeared to target Li Yan and his companions, yet each was disguised, and their positions subtly surrounded them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grab your gear!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards simultaneously gripped the front of their gunstocks, shook them outward two feet, then seized the barrels with their other hands, pointing in all directions like a porcupine formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lead guard stomped his foot onto a bench, causing three copper rings at his waist to clink, his expression stern as he surveyed the surroundings:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gentlemen, which roof are you holding up? Which incense are you bowing to?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan and the others had not expected to stumble upon this incident by accident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Di Longzi had wanted to show off and spread word of his presence, but encountering this situation felt like swallowing excrement—he grew impatient and snapped: “If you want to do business, take it outside. Don’t clutter up my sight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old bastard, you’re asking for death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young peddler’s eyes instantly blazed with malice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re the one asking for death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Di Longzi’s disciples also wore dark expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as they prepared to act, a sultry, sharp voice rang down from upstairs: “Oh? Are you about to smash up my inn again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone looked up—and saw a woman on the second floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a “woman,” but a woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore a crimson robe, her cloud-like hair piled high, adorned with gilded bronze hairpins engraved with dragon motifs, her phoenix eyes slanting sharply into her temples, her nose high and sharp as if carved, her vermilion lips curled in a half-smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint scar marred her left cheek, concealed by a floral ornament—not ugly, but adding a wild charm, and her entire presence exuded an indescribable allure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young man, I advise you to hold your temper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped forward in her red embroidered slippers, the crimson skirt revealing glimpses of her legs as she descended the stairs, speaking all the while: “This gentleman is Elder Di Longzi of the Tongtian Sect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The number of people he’s killed exceeds what you’ve ever seen. I’ve already collected three corpses this month—I’ve no money to wrap you in straw mats…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan knew at once this must be the innkeeper, Pei Niangzi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she had already reached the ground floor, smiling faintly: “Elder Di Longzi, do calm your temper. The news from Luoyang recently—that an Xuan Sect sorcerer committed murder—is no small trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorcerer?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guanxi knife-wielders instantly turned ashen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though many from the Shenzhou Xuan Sect existed, they were rare compared to the entire martial world; their arts were perilous, and even the lowest among them were avoided by ordinary martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this old man seemed to have considerable influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We apologize!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed to both Pei Niangzi and Di Longzi, gave a signal, and led his men away without delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Pei Niangzi suddenly spoke, her smile warm, her eyes icy: “Remember to go far away—the Heluo Road no longer welcomes you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Offering a warning was to leave a thread of mercy, but as the Heluo Horse Guild’s captain, she naturally did not wish to see these lawless bandits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knife-wielders nodded and turned to flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After driving them off, Pei Niangzi turned to Di Longzi, curtsied gracefully, and cooed: “I acted on my own, Elder—please don’t be angry. After all, it’s a small business, unable to withstand such turmoil.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You flatter me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Di Longzi cast a cool glance, his eyes subtly flickering upward: “I have always relied on virtue to subdue others—I am no indiscriminate killer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Niangzi gave a perfunctory reply, then turned to Li Yan, covering her mouth with a giggle: “This handsome young man looks unfamiliar—let me guess… aren’t you Li Shaoxia, the famed Li Yan who shook Sichuan and Shu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gentlemen, are you the Twelve Zodiacs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan frowned slightly: “Madam Pei, your information is indeed swift.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Niangzi laughed, her body shaking with mirth: “I also know you’re even more famous in Chang’an’s Pingkang Alley.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Li Yan’s eye twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did the Night Crier come here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2553,"2026-06-19T18:28:35.913Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","08a5ae6e49034ca8df56e44635ed2184f83e2d9db80b9cdfea34d38f1e5a8741","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-629","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-627",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]